BORN FROM THE HEART of the Church, a Catholic University is =
located in=20
that course of tradition which may be traced back to the very =
origin of=20
the University as an institution. It has always been recognized as =
an=20
incomparable centre of creativity and dissemination of knowledge =
for the=20
good of humanity. By vocation, the Universitas magistrorum et=20
scholarium is dedicated to research, to teaching and to the =
education=20
of students who freely associate with their teachers in a common =
love of=20
knowledge(1). With every other University it shares that =
gaudium de=20
veritate, so precious to Saint Augustine, which is that joy of =
searching for, discovering and communicating truth(2) in every =
field of=20
knowledge. A Catholic University's privileged task is "to unite=20
existentially by intellectual effort two orders of reality that =
too=20
frequently tend to be placed in opposition as though they were=20
antithetical: the search for truth, and the certainty of already =
knowing=20
the fount of truth"(3).

2. For many years I myself was deeply enriched by the =
beneficial=20
experience of university life: the ardent search for truth and its =
unselfish transmission to youth and to all those learning to think =
rigorously, so as to act rightly and to serve humanity better.

Therefore, I desire to share with everyone my profound respect =
for=20
Catholic Universities, and to express my great appreciation for =
the work=20
that is being done in them in the various spheres of knowledge. In =
a=20
particular way, I wish to manifest my joy at the numerous meetings =
which=20
the Lord has permitted me to have in the course of my apostolic =
journeys=20
with the Catholic University communities of various continents. =
They are=20
for me a lively and promising sign of the fecundity of the =
Christian mind=20
in the heart of every culture. They give me a well-founded hope =
for a new=20
flowering of Christian culture in the rich and varied context of =
our=20
changing times, which certainly face serious challenges but which =
also=20
bear so much promise under the action of the Spirit of truth and =
of=20
love.

It is also my desire to express my pleasure and gratitude to =
the very=20
many Catholic scholars engaged in teaching and research in =
non-Catholic=20
Universities. Their task as academics and scientists, lived out in =
the=20
light of the Christian faith, is to be considered precious for the =
good of=20
the Universities in which they teach. Their presence, in fact, is =
a=20
continuous stimulus to the selfless search for truth and for the =
wisdom=20
that comes from above.

3. Since the beginning of this Pontificate, I have shared these =
ideas=20
and sentiments with my closest collaborators, the Cardinals, with =
the=20
Congregation for Catholic Education, and with men and women of =
culture=20
throughout the world. In fact, the dialogue of the Church with the =
cultures of our times is that vital area where "the future of the =
Church=20
and of the world is being played out as we conclude the twentieth=20
century"(4). There is only one cultre: that of man, by man and for =
man(5).=20
And thanks to her Catholic Universities and their humanistic and=20
scientific inheritance, the Church, expert in humanity, as my =
predecessor,=20
Paul VI, expressed it at the United Nations(6), explores the =
mysteries of=20
humanity and of the world, clarifying them in the light of =
Revelation.

4. It is the honour and responsibility of a Catholic University =
to=20
consecrate itself without reserve to the cause of truth. =
This is=20
its way of serving at one and the same time both the dignity of =
man and=20
the good of the Church, which has "an intimate conviction that =
truth is=20
(its) real ally ... and that knowledge and reason are sure =
ministers to=20
faith"(7). Without in any way neglecting the acquisition of useful =
knowledge, a Catholic University is distinguished by its free =
search for=20
the whole truth about nature, man and God. The present age is in =
urgent=20
need of this kind of disinterested service, namely of =
proclaiming the=20
meaning of truth, that fundamental value without which =
freedom,=20
justice and human dignity are extinguished. By means of a kind of=20
universal humanism a Catholic University is completely dedicated =
to the=20
research of all aspects of truth in their essential connection =
with the=20
supreme Truth, who is God. It does this without fear but rather =
with=20
enthusiasm, dedicating itself to every path of knowledge, aware of =
being=20
preceded by him who is "the Way, the Truth, and the Life"(8), the=20
Logos, whose Spirit of intelligence and love enables the =
human=20
person with his or her own intelligence to find the ultimate =
reality of=20
which he is the source and end and who alone is capable of giving =
fully=20
that Wisdom without which the future of the world would be in =
danger.

5. It is in the context of the impartial search for truth that =
the=20
relationship between faith and reason is brought to light and =
meaning. The=20
invitation of Saint Augustine, "Intellege ut credas; crede ut=20
intellegas"(9), is relevant to Catholic Universities that are =
called=20
to explore courageously the riches of Revelation and of nature so =
that the=20
united endeavour of intelligence and faith will enable people to =
come to=20
the full measure of their humanity, created in the image and =
likeness of=20
God, renewed even more marvellously, after sin, in Christ, and =
called to=20
shine forth in the light of the Spirit.

6. Through the encounter which it establishes between the =
unfathomable=20
richness of the salvific message of the Gospel and the variety and =
immensity of the fields of knowledge in which that richness is =
incarnated=20
by it, a Catholic University enables the Church to institute an=20
incomparably fertile dialogue with people of every culture. Man's =
life is=20
given dignity by culture, and, while he finds his fullness in =
Christ,=20
there can be no doubt that the Gospel which reaches and renews him =
in=20
every dimension is also fruitful for the culture in which he =
lives.

7. In the world today, characterized by such rapid developments =
in=20
science and technology, the tasks of a Catholic University assume =
an ever=20
greater importance and urgency. Scientific and technological =
discoveries=20
create an enormous economic and industrial growth, but they also=20
inescapably require the correspondingly necessary search for=20
meaning in order to guarantee that the new discoveries be used =
for the=20
authentic good of individuals and of human society as a whole. If =
it is=20
the responsibility of every University to search for such meaning, =
a=20
Catholic University is called in a particular way to respond to =
this need:=20
its Christian inspiration enables it to include the moral, =
spiritual and=20
religious dimension in its research, and to evaluate the =
attainments of=20
science and technology in the perspective of the totality of the =
human=20
person.

In this context, Catholic Universities are called to a =
continuous=20
renewal, both as "Universities" and as "Catholic". For, "What is =
at stake=20
is the very meaning of scientific and technological research, =
of social=20
life and of culture, but, on an even more profound level, what =
is at=20
stake is the very meaning of the human person"(10). Such =
renewal=20
requires a clear awareness that, by its Catholic character, a =
University=20
is made more capable of conducting an impartial search for =
truth, a=20
search that is neither subordinated to nor conditioned by =
particular=20
interests of any kind.

8. Having already dedicated the Apostolic Constitution =
Sapientia=20
Christiana to Ecclesiastical Faculties and Universities(11), I =
then=20
felt obliged to propose an analogous Document for Catholic =
Universities as=20
a sort of "magna carta", enriched by the long and fruitful =
experience of=20
the Church in the realm of Universities and open to the promise of =
future=20
achievements that will require courageous creativity and rigorous=20
fidelity.

9. The present Document is addressed especially to those who =
conduct=20
Catholic Universities, to the respective academic communities, to =
all=20
those who have an interest in them, particularly the Bishops, =
Religious=20
Congregations and ecclesial Institutions, and to the =
numerous laity=20
who are committed to the great mission of higher education. Its =
purpose is=20
that "the Christian mind may achieve, as it were, a public, =
persistent and=20
universal presence in the whole enterprise of advancing higher =
culture and=20
that the students of these institutions become people outstanding =
in=20
learning, ready to shoulder society's heavier burdens and to =
witness the=20
faith to the world"(12).

10. In addition to Catholic Universities, I also turn to the =
many=20
Catholic Institutions of higher education. According to their =
nature and=20
proper objectives, they share some or all of the characteristics =
of a=20
University and they offer their own contribution to the Church and =
to=20
society, whether through research, education or professional =
training.=20
While this Document specifically concerns Catholic Universities, =
it is=20
also meant to include all Catholic Institutions of higher =
education=20
engaged in instilling the Gospel message of Christ in souls and=20
cultures.

Therefore, it is with great trust and hope that I invite all =
Catholic=20
Universities to pursue their irreplaceable task. Their mission =
appears=20
increasingly necessary for the encounter of the Church with the=20
development of the sciences and with the cultures of our age.

Together with all my brother Bishops who share pastoral =
responsibility=20
with me, I would like to manifest my deep conviction that a =
Catholic=20
University is without any doubt one of the best instruments that =
the=20
Church offers to our age which is searching for certainty and =
wisdom.=20
Having the mission of bringing the Good News to everyone, the =
Church=20
should never fail to interest herself in this Institution. By =
research and=20
teaching, Catholic Universities assist the Church in the manner =
most=20
appropriate to modern times to find cultural treasures both old =
and new,=20
"nova et vetera", according to the words of Jesus(13).

11. Finally, I turn to the whole Church, convinced that =
Catholic=20
Universities are essential to her growth and to the development of =
Christian culture and human progress. For this reason, the entire=20
ecclesial Community is invited to give its support to Catholic=20
Institutions of higher education and to assist them in their =
process of=20
development and renewal. It is invited in a special way to guard =
the=20
rights and freedom of these Institutions in civil society, and to =
offer=20
them economic aid, especially in those countries where they have =
more=20
urgent need of it, and to furnish assistance in founding new =
Catholic=20
Universities wherever this might be necessary.

My hope is that these prescriptions, based on the teaching of =
Vatican=20
Council II and the directives of the Code of Canon Law, will =
enable=20
Catholic Universities and other Institutes of higher studies to =
fulfil=20
their indispensable mission in the new advent of grace that is =
opening up=20
to the new Millennium.

PART I

IDENTITY AND MISSION

A. THE IDENTITY OF A CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY

1. Nature and Objectives

12. Every Catholic University, as a university, is an =
academic=20
community which, in a rigorous and critical fashion, assists in =
the=20
protection and advancement of human dignity and of a cultural =
heritage=20
through research, teaching and various services offered to the =
local,=20
national and international communities(14). It possesses that=20
institutional autonomy necessary to perform its functions =
effectively and=20
guarantees its members academic freedom, so long as the rights of =
the=20
individual person and of the community are preserved within the =
confines=20
of the truth and the common good(15).

13. Since the objective of a Catholic University is to assure =
in an=20
institutional manner a Christian presence in the university world=20
confronting the great problems of society and culture(16), every =
Catholic=20
University, as Catholic, must have the following =
essential=20
characteristics:

"1. a Christian inspiration not only of individuals but of the=20
university community as such;

2. a continuing reflection in the light of the Catholic faith =
upon the=20
growing treasury of human knowledge, to which it seeks to =
contribute by=20
its own research;

3. fidelity to the Christian message as it comes to us through =
the=20
Church;

4. an institutional commitment to the service of the people of =
God and=20
of the human family in their pilgrimage to the transcendent goal =
which=20
gives meaning to life"(17).

14. "In the light of these four characteristics, it is evident =
that=20
besides the teaching, research and services common to all =
Universities, a=20
Catholic University, by institutional commitment, brings to =
its=20
task the inspiration and light of the Christian message. In =
a=20
Catholic University, therefore, Catholic ideals, attitudes and =
principles=20
penetrate and inform university activities in accordance with the =
proper=20
nature and autonomy of these activities. In a word, being both a=20
University and Catholic, it must be both a community of scholars=20
representing various branches of human knowledge, and an academic=20
institution in which Catholicism is vitally present and=20
operative"(18).

15. A Catholic University, therefore, is a place of research, =
where=20
scholars scrutinize reality with the methods proper to each =
academic discipline, and so contribute to the treasury of human =
knowledge.=20
Each individual discipline is studied in a systematic manner; =
moreover,=20
the various disciplines are brought into dialogue for their mutual =
enhancement.

In addition to assisting men and women in their continuing =
quest for=20
the truth, this research provides an effective witness, especially =
necessary today, to the Church's belief in the intrinsic value of=20
knowledge and research.

In a Catholic University, research necessarily includes (a) =
the=20
search for an integration of knowledge, (b) a dialogue =
between=20
faith and reason, (c) an ethical concern, and (d) =
a=20
theological perspective.

16. Integration of knowledge is a process, one which =
will always=20
remain incomplete; moreover, the explosion of knowledge in recent =
decades,=20
together with the rigid compartmentalization of knowledge within=20
individual academic disciplines, makes the task increasingly =
difficult.=20
But a University, and especially a Catholic University, "has to =
be a=20
'living union' of individual organisms dedicated to the search =
for=20
truth ... It is necessary to work towards a higher synthesis =
of=20
knowledge, in which alone lies the possibility of satisfying that =
thirst=20
for truth which is profoundly inscribed on the heart of the human=20
person"(19). Aided by the specific contributions of philosophy and =
theology, university scholars will be engaged in a constant effort =
to=20
determine the relative place and meaning of each of the various=20
disciplines within the context of a vision of the human person and =
the=20
world that is enlightened by the Gospel, and therefore by a faith =
in=20
Christ, the Logos, as the centre of creation and of human=20
history.

17. In promoting this integration of knowledge, a specific part =
of a=20
Catholic University's task is to promote dialogue between faith =
and=20
reason, so that it can be seen more profoundly how faith and =
reason=20
bear harmonious witness to the unity of all truth. While each =
academic=20
discipline retains its own integrity and has its own methods, this =
dialogue demonstrates that "methodical research within every =
branch of=20
learning, when carried out in a truly scientific manner and in =
accord with=20
moral norms, can never truly conflict with faith. For the things =
of the=20
earth and the concerns of faith derive from the same God"(20). A =
vital=20
interaction of two distinct levels of coming to know the one truth =
leads=20
to a greater love for truth itself, and contributes to a more=20
comprehensive understanding of the meaning of human life and of =
the=20
purpose of God's creation.

18. Because knowledge is meant to serve the human person, =
research in a=20
Catholic University is always carried out with a concern for the=20
ethical and moral implications both of its methods =
and of=20
its discoveries. This concern, while it must be present in all =
research,=20
is particularly important in the areas of science and technology. =
"It is=20
essential that we be convinced of the priority of the ethical over =
the=20
technical, of the primacy of the person over things, of the =
superiority of=20
the spirit over matter. The cause of the human person will only be =
served=20
if knowledge is joined to conscience. Men and women of science =
will truly=20
aid humanity only if they preserve 'the sense of the transcendence =
of the=20
human person over the world and of God over the human =
person"(21).

19. Theology plays a particularly important role in the =
search=20
for a synthesis of knowledge as well as in the dialogue between =
faith and=20
reason. It serves all other disciplines in their search for =
meaning, not=20
only by helping them to investigate how their discoveries will =
affect=20
individuals and society but also by bringing a perspective and an=20
orientation not contained within their own methodologies. In turn, =
interaction with these other disciplines and their discoveries =
enriches=20
theology, offering it a better understanding of the world today, =
and=20
making theological research more relevant to current needs. =
Because of its=20
specific importance among the academic disciplines, every Catholic =
University should have a faculty, or at least a chair, of=20
theology(22).

20. Given the close connection between research and teaching, =
the=20
research qualities indicated above will have their influence on =
all=20
teaching. While each discipline is taught systematically and =
according to=20
its own methods, interdisciplinary studies, assisted by a =
careful=20
and thorough study of philosophy and theology, enable students to =
acquire=20
an organic vision of reality and to develop a continuing desire =
for=20
intellectual progress. In the communication of knowledge, emphasis =
is then=20
placed on how human reason in its reflection opens to =
increasingly=20
broader questions, and how the complete answer to them can only =
come from=20
above through faith. Furthermore, the moral implications =
that are=20
present in each discipline are examined as an integral part of the =
teaching of that discipline so that the entire educative process =
be=20
directed towards the whole development of the person. Finally, =
Catholic=20
theology, taught in a manner faithful to Scripture, Tradition, and =
the=20
Church's Magisterium, provides an awareness of the Gospel =
principles which=20
will enrich the meaning of human life and give it a new =
dignity.

Through research and teaching the students are educated in the =
various=20
disciplines so as to become truly competent in the specific =
sectors in=20
which they will devote themselves to the service of society and of =
the=20
Church, but at the same time prepared to give the witness of their =
faith=20
to the world.

2. The University Community

21. A Catholic University pursues its objectives through its =
formation=20
of an authentic human community animated by the spirit of Christ. =
The=20
source of its unity springs from a common dedication to the truth, =
a=20
common vision of the dignity of the human person and, ultimately, =
the=20
person and message of Christ which gives the Institution its =
distinctive=20
character. As a result of this inspiration, the community is =
animated by a=20
spirit of freedom and charity; it is characterized by mutual =
respect,=20
sincere dialogue, and protection of the rights of individuals. It =
assists=20
each of its members to achieve wholeness as human persons; in =
turn,=20
everyone in the community helps in promoting unity, and each one,=20
according to his or her role and capacity, contributes towards =
decisions=20
which affect the community, and also towards maintaining and =
strengthening=20
the distinctive Catholic character of the Institution.

22. University teachers should seek to improve their =
competence=20
and endeavour to set the content, objectives, methods, and results =
of=20
research in an individual discipline within the framework of a =
coherent=20
world vision. Christians among the teachers are called to be =
witnesses and=20
educators of authentic Christian life, which evidences attained=20
integration between faith and life, and between professional =
competence=20
and Christian wisdom. All teachers are to be inspired by academic =
ideals=20
and by the principles of an authentically human life.

23. Students are challenged to pursue an education that =
combines=20
excellence in humanistic and cultural development with specialized =
professional training. Most especially, they are challenged to =
continue=20
the search for truth and for meaning throughout their lives, since =
"the=20
human spirit must be cultivated in such a way that there results a =
growth=20
in its ability to wonder, to understand, to contemplate, to make =
personal=20
judgments, and to develop a religious, moral, and social =
sense"(23). This=20
enables them to acquire or, if they have already done so, to =
deepen a=20
Christian way of life that is authentic. They should realize the=20
responsibility of their professional life, the enthusiasm of being =
the=20
trained 'leaders' of tomorrow, of being witnesses to Christ in =
whatever=20
place they may exercise their profession.

24. Directors and administrators in a Catholic =
University=20
promote the constant growth of the University and its community =
through a=20
leadership of service; the dedication and witness of the =
non-academic=20
staff are vital for the identity and life of the =
University.

25. Many Catholic Universities were founded by Religious =
Congregations,=20
and continue to depend on their support; those Religious =
Congregations=20
dedicated to the apostolate of higher education are urged to =
assist these=20
Institutions in the renewal of their commitment, and to continue =
to=20
prepare religious men and women who can positively contribute to =
the=20
mission of a Catholic University.

Lay people have found in university activities a means =
by which=20
they too could exercise an important apostolic role in the Church =
and, in=20
most Catholic Universities today, the academic community is =
largely=20
composed of laity; in increasing numbers, lay men and women are =
assuming=20
important functions and responsibilities for the direction of =
these=20
Institutions. These lay Catholics are responding to the Church's =
call "to=20
be present, as signs of courage and intellectual creativity, in =
the=20
privileged places of culture, that is, the world of =
education-school and=20
university"(24). The future of Catholic Universities depends to a =
great=20
extent on the competent and dedicated service of lay Catholics. =
The Church=20
sees their developing presence in these institutions both as a =
sign of=20
hope and as a confirmation of the irreplaceable lay vocation in =
the Church=20
and in the world, confident that lay people will, in the exercise =
of their=20
own distinctive role, "illumine and organize these (temporal) =
affairs in=20
such a way that they always start out, develop, and continue =
according to=20
Christ's mind, to the praise of the Creator and the =
Redeemer"(25).

26. The university community of many Catholic institutions =
includes=20
members of other Churches, ecclesial communities and religions, =
and also=20
those who profess no religious belief. These men and women offer =
their=20
training and experience in furthering the various academic =
disciplines or=20
other university tasks.

3. The Catholic University in the Church

27. Every Catholic University, without ceasing to be a =
University, has=20
a relationship to the Church that is essential to its =
institutional=20
identity. As such, it participates most directly in the life of =
the local=20
Church in which it is situated; at the same time, because it is an =
academic institution and therefore a part of the international =
community=20
of scholarship and inquiry, each institution participates in and=20
contributes to the life and the mission of the universal Church, =
assuming=20
consequently a special bond with the Holy See by reason of the =
service to=20
unity which it is called to render to the whole Church. One =
consequence of=20
its essential relationship to the Church is that the =
institutional=20
fidelity of the University to the Christian message includes a =
recognition of and adherence to the teaching authority of the =
Church in=20
matters of faith and morals. Catholic members of the university =
community=20
are also called to a personal fidelity to the Church with all that =
this=20
implies. Non-Catholic members are required to respect the Catholic =
character of the University, while the University in turn respects =
their=20
religious liberty(26).

28. Bishops have a particular responsibility to promote =
Catholic=20
Universities, and especially to promote and assist in the =
preservation and=20
strengthening of their Catholic identity, including the protection =
of=20
their Catholic identity in relation to civil authorities. This =
will be=20
achieved more effectively if close personal and pastoral =
relationships=20
exist between University and Church authorities, characterized by =
mutual=20
trust, close and consistent cooperation and continuing dialogue. =
Even when=20
they do not enter directly into the internal governance of the =
University,=20
Bishops "should be seen not as external agents but as participants =
in the=20
life of the Catholic University"(27).

29. The Church, accepting "the legitimate autonomy of human =
culture and=20
especially of the sciences", recognizes the academic freedom of =
scholars=20
in each discipline in accordance with its own principles and =
proper=20
methods(28), and within the confines of the truth and the common =
good.

Theology has its legitimate place in the University alongside =
other=20
disciplines. It has proper principles and methods which define it =
as a=20
branch of knowledge. Theologians enjoy this same freedom so long =
as they=20
are faithful to these principles and methods.

Bishops should encourage the creative work of theologians. They =
serve=20
the Church through research done in a way that respects =
theological=20
method. They seek to understand better, further develop and more=20
effectively communicate the meaning of Christian Revelation as =
transmitted=20
in Scripture and Tradition and in the Church's Magisterium. They =
also=20
investigate the ways in which theology can shed light on specific=20
questions raised by contemporary culture. At the same time, since =
theology=20
seeks an understanding of revealed truth whose authentic =
interpretation is=20
entrusted to the Bishops of the Church(29), it is intrinsic to the =
principles and methods of their research and teaching in their =
academic=20
discipline that theologians respect the authority of the Bishops, =
and=20
assent to Catholic doctrine according to the degree of authority =
with=20
which it is taught(30). Because of their interrelated roles, =
dialogue=20
between Bishops and theologians is essential; this is especially =
true=20
today, when the results of research are so quickly and so widely=20
communicated through the media(31).

B. THE MISSION OF SERVICE OF A CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY

30. The basic mission of a University is a continuous quest for =
truth=20
through its research, and the preservation and communication of =
knowledge=20
for the good of society. A Catholic University participates in =
this=20
mission with its own specific characteristics and purposes.

1. Service to Church and Society

31. Through teaching and research, a Catholic University offers =
an=20
indispensable contribution to the Church. In fact, it prepares men =
and=20
women who, inspired by Christian principles and helped to live =
their=20
Christian vocation in a mature and responsible manner, will be =
able to=20
assume positions of responsibility in the Church. Moreover, by =
offering=20
the results of its scientific research, a Catholic University will =
be able=20
to help the Church respond to the problems and needs of this =
age.

32. A Catholic University, as any University, is immersed in =
human=20
society; as an extension of its service to the Church, and always =
within=20
its proper competence, it is called on to become an ever more =
effective=20
instrument of cultural progress for individuals as well as for =
society.=20
Induded among its research activities, therefore, will be a study =
of=20
serious contemporary problems in areas such as the dignity =
of human=20
life, the promotion of justice for all, the quality of personal =
and family=20
life, the protection of nature, the search for peace and political =
stability, a more just sharing in the world's resources, and a new =
economic and political order that will better serve the human =
community at=20
a national and international level. University research will seek =
to=20
discover the roots and causes of the serious problems of our time, =
paying=20
special attention to their ethical and religious dimensions.

If need be, a Catholic University must have the courage to =
speak=20
uncomfortable truths which do not please public opinion, but which =
are=20
necessary to safeguard the authentic good of society.

33. A specific priority is the need to examine and evaluate the =
predominant values and norms of modern society and culture in a =
Christian=20
perspective, and the responsibility to try to communicate to =
society those=20
ethical and religious principles which give full meaning to =
human life.=20
In this way a University can contribute further to the =
development of=20
a true Christian anthropology, founded on the person of Christ, =
which will=20
bring the dynamism of the creation and redemption to bear on =
reality and=20
on the correct solution to the problems of life.

34. The Christian spirit of service to others for the =
promotion of=20
social justice is of particular importance for each Catholic=20
University, to be shared by its teachers and developed in its =
students.=20
The Church is firmly committed to the integral growth of all men =
and=20
women(32). The Gospel, interpreted in the social teachings of the =
Church,=20
is an urgent call to promote "the development of those peoples who =
are=20
striving to escape from hunger, misery, endemic diseases and =
ignorance; of=20
those who are looking for a wider share in the benefits of =
civilization=20
and a more active improvement of their human qualities; of those =
who are=20
aiming purposefully at their complete fulfilment"(33). Every =
Catholic=20
University feels responsible to contribute concretely to the =
progress of=20
the society within which it works: for example it will be capable =
of=20
searching for ways to make university education accessible to all =
those=20
who are able to benefit from it, especially the poor or members of =
minority groups who customarily have been deprived of it. A =
Catholic=20
University also has the responsibility, to the degree that it is =
able, to=20
help to promote the development of the emerging nations.

35. In its attempts to resolve these complex issues that touch =
on so=20
many different dimensions of human life and of society, a Catholic =
University will insist on cooperation among the different academic =
disciplines, each offering its distinct contribution in the search =
for=20
solutions; moreover, since the economic and personal resources of =
a single=20
Institution are limited, cooperation in common research =
projects=20
among Catholic Universities, as well as with other private and =
governmental institutions, is imperative. In this regard, and also =
in what=20
pertains to the other fields of the specific activity of a =
Catholic=20
University, the role played by various national and international=20
associations of Catholic Universities is to be emphasized. Among =
these=20
associations the mission of The International Federation of =
Catholic=20
Universities, founded by the Holy See(34), is particularly to =
be=20
remembered. The Holy See anticipates further fruitful =
collaboration with=20
this Federation.

36. Through programmes of continuing education offered =
to the=20
wider community, by making its scholars available for consulting =
services,=20
by taking advantage of modern means of communication, and in a =
variety of=20
other ways, a Catholic University can assist in making the growing =
body of=20
human knowledge and a developing understanding of the faith =
available to a=20
wider public, thus expanding university services beyond its own =
academic=20
community.

37. In its service to society, a Catholic University will =
relate=20
especially to the academic, cultural and scientific world of =
the=20
region in which it is located. Original forms of dialogue and=20
collaboration are to be encouraged between the Catholic =
Universities and=20
the other Universities of a nation on behalf of development, of=20
understanding between cultures, and of the defence of nature in =
accordance=20
with an awareness of the international ecological situation.

Catholic Universities join other private and public =
Institutions in=20
serving the public interest through higher education and research; =
they=20
are one among the variety of different types of institution that =
are=20
necessary for the free expression of cultural diversity, and they =
are=20
committed to the promotion of solidarity and its meaning in =
society and in=20
the world. Therefore they have the full right to expect that civil =
society=20
and public authorities will recognize and defend their =
institutional=20
autonomy and academic freedom; moreover, they have the right to =
the=20
financial support that is necessary for their continued existence =
and=20
development.

2. Pastoral Ministry

38. Pastoral ministry is that activity of the University which =
offers=20
the members of the university community an opportunity to =
integrate=20
religious and moral principles with their academic study and =
non-academic=20
activities, thus integrating faith with life. It is part of =
the=20
mission of the Church within the University, and is also a =
constitutive=20
element of a Catholic University itself, both in its structure and =
in its=20
life. A university community concerned with promoting the =
Institution's=20
Catholic character will be conscious of this pastoral dimension =
and=20
sensitive to the ways in which it can have an influence on all =
university=20
activities.

39. As a natural expression of the Catholic identity of the =
University,=20
the university community should give a practical demonstration =
of its=20
faith in its daily activity, with important moments of =
reflection and=20
of prayer. Catholic members of this community will be offered=20
opportunities to assimilate Catholic teaching and practice into =
their=20
lives and will be encouraged to participate in the celebration of =
the=20
sacraments, especially the Eucharist as the most perfect act of =
community=20
worship. When the academic community includes members of other =
Churches,=20
ecclesial communities or religions, their initiatives for =
reflection and=20
prayer in accordance with their own beliefs are to be =
respected.

40. Those involved in pastoral ministry will encourage teachers =
and=20
students to become more aware of their responsibility towards =
those who=20
are suffering physically or spiritually. Following the example of =
Christ,=20
they will be particularly attentive to the poorest and to those =
who suffer=20
economic, social, cultural or religious injustice. This =
responsibility=20
begins within the academic community, but it also finds =
application beyond=20
it.

41. Pastoral ministry is an indispensable means by which =
Catholic=20
students can, in fulfilment of their baptism, be prepared for =
active=20
participation in the life of the Church; it can assist in =
developing=20
and nurturing the value of marriage and family life, fostering =
vocations=20
to the priesthood and religious life, stimulating the Christian =
commitment=20
of the laity and imbuing every activity with the spirit of the =
Gospel.=20
Close cooperation between pastoral ministry in a Catholic =
University and=20
the other activities within the local Church, under the guidance =
or with=20
the approval of the diocesan Bishop, will contribute to their =
mutual=20
growth(35).

42. Various associations or movements of spiritual and =
apostolic life,=20
especially those developed specifically for students, can be of =
great=20
assistance in developing the pastoral aspects of university =
life.

3. Cultural Dialogue

43. By its very nature, a University develops culture through =
its=20
research, helps to transmit the local culture to each succeeding=20
generation through its teaching, and assists cultural activities =
through=20
its educational services. It is open to all human experience and =
is ready=20
to dialogue with and learn from any culture. A Catholic University =
shares=20
in this, offering the rich experience of the Church's own culture. =
In=20
addition, a Catholic University, aware that human culture is open =
to=20
Revelation and transcendence, is also a primary and privileged =
place for a=20
fruitful dialogue between the Gospel and culture.

44. Through this dialogue a Catholic University assists the =
Church,=20
enabling it to come to a better knowledge of diverse cultures, =
discern=20
their positive and negative aspects, to receive their =
authentically human=20
contributions, and to develop means by which it can make the faith =
better=20
understood by the men and women of a particular culture(36). While =
it is=20
true that the Gospel cannot be identified with any particular =
culture and=20
transcends all cultures, it is also true that "the Kingdom which =
the=20
Gospel proclaims is lived by men and women who are profoundly =
linked to a=20
culture, and the building up of the Kingdom cannot avoid borrowing =
the=20
elements of human culture or cultures(37). "A faith that places =
itself on=20
the margin of what is human, of what is therefore culture, would =
be a=20
faith unfaithful to the fullness of what the Word of God manifests =
and=20
reveals, a decapitated faith, worse still, a faith in the process =
of=20
self-annihilation"(38).

45. A Catholic University must become more attentive to the =
cultures=20
of the world of today, and to the various cultural =
traditions=20
existing within the Church in a way that will promote a =
continuous and=20
profitable dialogue between the Gospel and modern society. Among =
the=20
criteria that characterize the values of a culture are above all, =
the=20
meaning of the human person, his or her liberty, dignity, =
sense=20
of responsibility, and openness to the transcendent. To a =
respect for=20
persons is joined the preeminent value of the family, the =
primary=20
unit of every human culture.

Catholic Universities will seek to discern and evaluate both =
the=20
aspirations and the contradictions of modern culture, in order to =
make it=20
more suited to the total development of individuals and peoples. =
In=20
particular, it is recommended that by means of appropriate =
studies, the=20
impact of modern technology and especially of the mass media on =
persons,=20
the family, and the institutions and whole of modem culture be =
studied=20
deeply. Traditional cultures are to be defended in their identity, =
helping=20
them to receive modern values without sacrificing their own =
heritage,=20
which is a wealth for the whole of the human family. Universities, =
situated within the ambience of these cultures, will seek to =
harmonize=20
local cultures with the positive contributions of modern =
cultures.

46. An area that particularly interests a Catholic University =
is the=20
dialogue between Christian thought and the modern sciences. =
This=20
task requires persons particularly well versed in the individual=20
disciplines and who are at the same time adequately prepared=20
theologically, and who are capable of confronting epistemological=20
questions at the level of the relationship between faith and =
reason. Such=20
dialogue concerns the natural sciences as much as the human =
sciences which=20
posit new and complex philosophical and ethical problems. The =
Christian=20
researcher should demonstrate the way in which human intelligence =
is=20
enriched by the higher truth that comes from the Gospel: "The =
intelligence=20
is never diminished, rather, it is stimulated and reinforced by =
that=20
interior fount of deep understanding that is the Word of God, and =
by the=20
hierarchy of values that results from it... In its unique manner, =
the=20
Catholic University helps to manifest the superiority of the =
spirit, that=20
can never, without the risk of losing its very self, be placed at =
the=20
service of something other than the search for truth"(39).

47. Besides cultural dialogue, a Catholic University, in =
accordance=20
vith its specific ends, and keeping in mind the various =
religious-cultural=20
contexts, following the directives promulgated by competent =
ecclesiastical=20
authority, can offer a contribution to ecumenical dialogue. It =
does so to=20
further the search for unity among all Christians. In =
inter-religious=20
dialogue it will assist in discerning the spiritual values that =
are=20
present in the different religions.

4. Evangelization

48. The primary mission of the Church is to preach the Gospel =
in such a=20
way that a relationship between faith and life is established in =
each=20
individual and in the socio-cultural context in which individuals =
live and=20
act and communicate with one another. Evangelization means =
"bringing the=20
Good News into all the strata of humanity, and through its =
influence=20
transforming humanity from within and making it new... It is a =
question=20
not only of preaching the Gospel in ever wider geographic areas or =
to ever=20
greater numbers of people, but also of affecting and, as it were,=20
upsetting, through the power of the Gospel, humanity's criteria of =
judgment, determining values, points of interest, lines of =
thought,=20
sources of inspiration and models of life, which are in contrast =
with the=20
Word of God and the plan of salvation"(40).

49. By its very nature, each Catholic University makes an =
important=20
contribution to the Church's work of evangelization. It is a =
living=20
institutional witness to Christ and his message, so vitally =
important in cultures marked by secularism, or where Christ and =
his=20
message are still virtually unknown. Moreover, all the basic =
academic=20
activities of a Catholic University are connected with and in =
harmony with=20
the evangelizing mission of the Church: research carried out in =
the light=20
of the Christian message which puts new human discoveries at the =
service=20
of individuals and society; education offered in a faith-context =
that=20
forms men and women capable of rational and critical judgment and=20
conscious of the transcendent dignity of the human person; =
professional=20
training that incorporates ethical values and a sense of service =
to=20
individuals and to society; the dialogue with culture that makes =
the faith=20
better understood, and the theological research that translates =
the faith=20
into contemporary language. "Precisely because it is more and more =
conscious of its salvific mission in this world, the Church wants =
to have=20
these centres closely connected with it; it wants to have them =
present and=20
operative in spreading the authentic message of Christ"(41).

PART II

GENERAL NORMS

Article 1. The Nature of these General Norms

=A7 1. These General Norms are based on, and are a further =
development=20
of, the Code of Canon Law(42) and the complementary Church =
legislation,=20
without prejudice to the right of the Holy See to intervene should =
this=20
become necessary. They are valid for all Catholic Universities and =
other=20
Catholic Institutes of Higher Studies throughout the world.

=A7 2. The General Norms are to be applied concretely at the =
local and=20
regional levels by Episcopal Conferences and other Assemblies of =
Catholic=20
Hierarchy(43) in conformity with the Code of Canon Law and =
complementary=20
Church legislation, taking into account the Statutes of each =
University or=20
Institute and, as far as possible and appropriate, civil law. =
After review=20
by the Holy See(44), these local or regional "Ordinances" will be =
valid=20
for all Catholic Universities and other Catholic Institutes of =
Higher=20
Studies in the region, except for Ecclesiastical Universities and=20
Faculties. These latter Institutions, including Ecclesiastical =
Faculties=20
which are part of a Catholic University, are governed by the norms =
of the=20
Apostolic Constitution Sapientia Christiana(45).

=A7 3. A University established or approved by the Holy See, by =
an=20
Episcopal Conference or another Assembly of Catholic Hierarchy, or =
by a=20
diocesan Bishop is to incorporate these General Norms and their =
local and=20
regional applications into its governing documents, and conform =
its=20
existing Statutes both to the General Norms and to their =
applications, and=20
submit them for approval to the competent ecclesiastical =
Authority. It is=20
contemplated that other Catholic Universities, that is, those not=20
established or approved in any of the above ways, with the =
agreement of=20
the local ecclesiastical Authority, will make their own the =
General Norms=20
and their local and regional applications, internalizing them into =
their=20
governing documents, and, as far as possible, will conform their =
existing=20
Statutes both to these General Norms and to their =
applications.

Article 2. The Nature of a Catholic =
University

=A7 1. A Catholic University, like every university, is a =
community of=20
scholars representing various branches of human knowledge. It is =
dedicated=20
to research, to teaching, and to various kinds of service in =
accordance=20
with its cultural mission.

=A7 2. A Catholic University, as Catholic, informs and carries =
out its=20
research, teaching, and all other activities with Catholic ideals, =
principles and attitudes. It is linked with the Church either by a =
formal,=20
constitutive and statutory bond or by reason of an institutional=20
commitment made by those responsible for it.

=A7 3. Every Catholic University is to make known its Catholic =
identity,=20
either in a mission statement or in some other appropriate public=20
document, unless authorized otherwise by the competent =
ecclesiastical=20
Authority. The University, particularly through its structure and =
its=20
regulations, is to provide means which will guarantee the =
expression and=20
the preservation of this identity in a manner consistent with =
=A72.

=A7 4. Catholic teaching and discipline are to influence all =
university=20
activities, while the freedom of conscience of each person is to =
be fully=20
respected(46). Any official action or commitment of the University =
is to=20
be in accord with its Catholic identity.

=A7 5. A Catholic University possesses the autonomy necessary =
to develop=20
its distinctive identity and pursue its proper mission. Freedom in =
research and teaching is recognized and respected according to the =
principles and methods of each individual discipline, so long as =
the=20
rights of the individual and of the community are preserved within =
the=20
confines of the truth and the common good(47).

Article 3. The Establishment of a Catholic =
University

=A7 1. A Catholic University may be established or approved by =
the Holy=20
See, by an Episcopal Conference or another Assembly of Catholic =
Hierarchy,=20
or by a diocesan Bishop.

=A7 2. With the consent of the diocesan Bishop, a Catholic =
University may=20
also be established by a Religious Institute or other public =
juridical=20
person.

=A7 3. A Catholic University may also be established by other=20
ecclesiastical or lay persons; such a University may refer to =
itself as a=20
Catholic University only with the consent of the competent =
ecclesiastical=20
Authority, in accordance with the conditions upon which both =
parties shall=20
agree(48).

=A7 4. In the cases of =A7=A7 1 and 2, the Statutes must be =
approved by the=20
competent ecclesiastical Authority.

Article 4. The University Community

=A7 1. The responsibility for maintaining and strengthening the =
Catholic=20
identity of the University rests primarily with the University =
itself.=20
While this responsibility is entrusted principally to university=20
authorities (including, when the positions exist, the Chancellor =
and/or a=20
Board of Trustees or equivalent body), it is shared in varying =
degrees by=20
all members of the university community, and therefore calls for =
the=20
recruitment of adequate university personnel, especially teachers =
and=20
administrators, who are both willing and able to promote that =
identity.=20
The identity of a Catholic University is essentially linked to the =
quality=20
of its teachers and to respect for Catholic doctrine. It is the=20
responsibility of the competent Authority to watch over these two=20
fundamental needs in accordance with what is indicated in Canon=20
Law(49).

=A7 2. All teachers and all administrators, at the time of =
their=20
appointment, are to be informed about the Catholic identity of the =
Institution and its implications, and about their responsibility =
to=20
promote, or at least to respect, that identity.

=A7 3. In ways appropriate to the different academic =
disciplines, all=20
Catholic teachers are to be faithful to, and all other teachers =
are to=20
respect, Catholic doctrine and morals in their research and =
teaching. In=20
particular, Catholic theologians, aware that they fulfil a mandate =
received from the Church, are to be faithful to the Magisterium of =
the=20
Church as the authentic interpreter of Sacred Scripture and Sacred =
Tradition(50).

=A7 4. Those university teachers and administrators who belong =
to other=20
Churches, ecclesial communities, or religions, as well as those =
who=20
profess no religious belief, and also all students, are to =
recognize and=20
respect the distinctive Catholic identity of the University. In =
order not=20
to endanger the Catholic identity of the University or Institute =
of Higher=20
Studies, the number of non-Catholic teachers should not be allowed =
to=20
constitute a majority within the Institution, which is and must =
remain=20
Catholic.

=A7 5. The education of students is to combine academic and =
professional=20
development with formation in moral and religious principles and =
the=20
social teachings of the Church; the programme of studies for each =
of the=20
various professions is to include an appropriate ethical formation =
in that=20
profession. Courses in Catholic doctrine are to be made available =
to all=20
students(51).

Article 5. The Catholic University within the =
Church

=A7 1. Every Catholic University is to maintain communion with =
the=20
universal Church and the Holy See; it is to be in close communion =
with the=20
local Church and in particular with the diocesan Bishops of the =
region or=20
nation in which it is located. In ways consistent with its nature =
as a=20
University, a Catholic University will contribute to the Church's =
work of=20
evangelization.

=A7 2. Each Bishop has a responsibility to promote the welfare =
of the=20
Catholic Universities in his diocese and has the right and duty to =
watch=20
over the preservation and strengthening of their Catholic =
character. If=20
problems should arise conceming this Catholic character, the local =
Bishop=20
is to take the initiatives necessary to resolve the matter, =
working with=20
the competent university authorities in accordance with =
established=20
procedures(52) and, if necessary, with the help of the Holy =
See.

=A7 3. Periodically, each Catholic University, to which Artide =
3, 1 and 2=20
refers, is to communicate relevant information about the =
University and=20
its activities to the competent ecclesiastical Authority. Other =
Catholic=20
Universities are to communicate this information to the Bishop of =
the=20
diocese in which the principal seat of the Institution is =
located.

Article 6. Pastoral Ministry

=A7 1. A Catholic University is to promote the pastoral care of =
all=20
members of the university community, and to be especially =
attentive to the=20
spiritual development of those who are Catholics. Priority is to =
be given=20
to those means which will facilitate the integration of human and=20
professional education with religious values in the light of =
Catholic=20
doctrine, in order to unite intellectual learning with the =
religious=20
dimension of life.

=A7 2. A sufficient number of qualified people-priests, =
religious, and=20
lay persons-are to be appointed to provide pastoral ministry for =
the=20
university community, carried on in harmony and cooperation with =
the=20
pastoral activities of the local Church under the guidance or with =
the=20
approval of the diocesan Bishop. All members of the university =
community=20
are to be invited to assist the work of pastoral ministry, and to=20
collaborate in its activities.

Article 7. Cooperation

=A7 1. In order better to confront the complex problems facing =
modern=20
society, and in order to strengthen the Catholic identity of the=20
Institutions, regional, national and international cooperation is =
to be=20
promoted in research, teaching, and other university activities =
among all=20
Catholic Universities, induding Ecclesiastical Universities and=20
Faculties(53). Such cooperation is also to be promoted between =
Catholic=20
Universities and other Universities, and with other research and=20
educational Institutions, both private and =
governmental.

=A7 2. Catholic Universities will, when possible and in accord =
with=20
Catholic principles and doctrine, cooperate with government =
programmes and=20
the programmes of other national and international Organizations =
on behalf=20
of justice, development and progress.

TRANSITIONAL NORMS

Art. 8. The present Constitution will come into effect on the =
first day=20
to the academic year 1991.

Art. 9. The application of the Constitution is committed to the =
Congregation for Catholic Education, which has the duty to =
promulgate the=20
necessary directives that will serve towards that end.

Art. 10. It will be the competence of the Congregation for =
Catholic=20
Education, when with the passage of time circumstances require it, =
to=20
propose changes to be made in the present Constitution in order =
that it=20
may be adapted continuously to the needs of Catholic =
Universities.

Art. 11. Any particular laws or customs presently in effect =
that are=20
contrary to this Constitution are abolished. Also, any privileges =
granted=20
up to this day by the Holy See whether to physical or moral =
persons that=20
are contrary to this present Constitution are abolished.

CONCLUSION

The mission that the Church, with great hope, entrusts to =
Catholic=20
Universities holds a cultural and religious meaning of vital =
importance=20
because it concerns the very future of humanity. The renewal =
requested of=20
Catholic Universities will make them better able to respond to the =
task of=20
bringing the message of Christ to man, to society, to the various=20
cultures: "Every human reality, both individual and social has =
been=20
liberated by Christ: persons, as well as the activities of men and =
women,=20
of which culture is the highest and incarnate expression. The =
salvific=20
action of the Church on cultures is achieved, first of all, by =
means of=20
persons, families and educators... Jesus Christ, our Saviour, =
offers his=20
light and his hope to all those who promote the sciences, the =
arts,=20
letters and the numerous fields developed by modem culture. =
Therefore, all=20
the sons and daughters of the Church should become aware of their =
mission=20
and discover how the strength of the Gospel can penetrate and =
regenerate=20
the mentalities and dominant values that inspire individual =
cultures, as=20
well as the opinions and mental attitudes that are derived from=20
it"(54).

It is with fervent hope that I address this Document to all the =
men and=20
women engaged in various ways in the significant mission of =
Catholic=20
higher education.

Beloved Brothers and Sisters, my encouragement and my trust go =
with you=20
in your weighty daily task that becomes ever more important, more =
urgent=20
and necessary on behalf of Evangelization for the future of =
culture and of=20
all cultures. The Church and the world have great need of your =
witness and=20
of your capable, free, and responsible contribution.

Given in Rome, at Saint Peter's, on 15 August, the Solemnity =
of the=20
Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into Heaven, in the year =
1990, the=20
twelfth of the Pontificate.

15 Cf. VATICAN COUNCIL II, Pastoral Constitution on the Church =
in the=20
Modern World Gaudium et Spes, n. 59: AAS 58 (1966), p. =
1080;=20
Declaration on Catholic Education Gravissimum Educationis, =
n. 10:=20
AAS 58 (1966), p. 737. "Institutional autonomy" means that the =
governance=20
of an academic institution is and remains internal to the =
institution;=20
"academic freedom" is the guarantee given to those involved in =
teaching=20
and research that, within their specific specialized branch of =
knowledge,=20
and according to the methods proper to that specific area, they =
may search=20
for the truth wherever analysis and evidence leads them, and may =
teach and=20
publish the results of this search, keeping in mind the cited =
criteria,=20
that is, safeguarding the rights of the individual and of society =
within=20
the confines of the truth and the common good.

16 There is a two-fold notion of culture used in this =
document:=20
the humanistic and the socio-historical. "The word =
'culture'=20
in its general sense indicates all those factors by which man =
refines and=20
unfolds his manifold spiritual and bodily qualities. It means his =
effort=20
to bring the world itself under his control by his knowledge and =
his=20
labor. It includes the fact that by improving customs and =
institutions he=20
renders social life more human both within the family and in the =
civic=20
community. Finally, it is a feature of culture that throughout the =
course=20
of time man expresses, communicates, and conserves in his works =
great=20
spiritual experiences and desires, so that these may be of =
advantage to=20
the progress of many, even of the whole human family. Hence it =
follows=20
that human culture necessarily has a historical and social aspect =
and that=20
the word 'culture' often takes on a sociological and ethnological =
sense".=20
VATICAN COUNCIL II, Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the =
Modern=20
World Gaudium et Spes, n. 53: AAS 58 (1966), p. 1075.

19 JOHN PAUL II, Allocution to the International Congress on =
Catholic=20
Universities, 25 Aprii 1989, n. 4: AAS 81 (1989), p. 1219. =
Cf. also=20
VATICAN COUNCIL II, Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the =
Modern=20
WorldGaudiumet Spes, n. 61: AAS 58 (1966), pp. =
1081-1082.=20
Cardinal Newman observes that a University "professes to assign to =
each=20
study which it receives, its proper place and its just boundaries; =
to=20
define the rights, to establish the mutual relations and to effect =
the=20
intercommunion of one and all". (Op. cit., p. 457).

20 VATICAN COUNCIL II, Pastoral Constitution on the Church in =
the=20
Modern World Gaudium et Spes, n. 36: AAS 58 (1966), p. =
1054. To a=20
group of scientists I pointed out that "while reason and faith =
surely=20
represent two distinct orders of knowledge, each autonomous with =
regard to=20
its own methods, the two must finally converge in the discovery of =
a=20
single whole reality which has its origin in God". (JOHN PAUL II,=20
Address at the Meeting on Galileo, 9 May 1983, n. 3: AAS 75 =
[1983],=20
p. 690).

31 Cf. "Instruction on the Ecclesial Vocation of the =
Theologian" of the=20
Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith of 24 May 1990.

32 Cf. JOHN PAUL II, Encyclical Letter Sollicitudo Rei =
Socialis,

nn. 27-34: AAS 80 (1988), pp. 547-560.

33 PAUL VI, Encyclical Letter Populorum Progressio, n. =
1: AAS=20
59

(1967), p. 257.

34 "Therefore, in that there has been a pleasing multiplication =
of=20
centres of higher learning, it has become apparent that it would =
be=20
opportune for the faculty and the alumni to unite in common =
association=20
which, working in reciprocal understanding and close =
collaboration, and=20
based upon the authority of the Supreme Pontiff, as father and =
universal=20
doctor, they might more efficaciously spread and extend the light =
of=20
Christ". (Plus XII, Apostolic Letter Catholicas Studiorum=20
Universitates, with which The International Federation of =
Catholic=20
Universities was established: AAS 42 [1950], p. 386).

35 The Code of Canon Law indicates the general responsibility =
of the=20
Bishop toward university students: "The diocesan bishop is to have =
serious=20
pastoral concern for students by erecting a parish for them or by=20
assigning priests for this purpose on a stable basis; he is also =
to=20
provide for Catholic university centers at universities, even =
non-Catholic=20
ones, to give assistance, especially spiritual to young people". =
(CIC,=20
can. 813).

36 "Living in various circumstances during the course of time, =
the=20
Church, too, has used in her preaching the discoveries of =
different=20
cultures to spread and explain the message of Christ to all =
nations, to=20
probe it and more deeply understand it, and to give it better =
expression=20
in liturgical celebrations and in the life of the diversified =
community of=20
the faithful". (VATICAN COUNCIL II, Pastoral Constitution on the =
Church in=20
the Modern World Gaudium et Spes, n. 58: AAS 58 =
[1966], p.=20
1079).

41 PAUL VI, Address to Presidents and Rectors of the =
Universities of=20
the Society of Jesus, 6 August 1975, n. 2: AAS 67 (1975), p. 533. =
Speaking=20
to the participants of the International Congress on Catholic=20
Universities, 25 April 1989, I added (n. 5): "Within a Catholic =
University=20
the evangelical mission of the Church and the mission of research =
and=20
teaching become interrelated and coordinated": =
Cf.=20
AAS 81 (1989), p. 1220.

42 Cf. in particular the Chapter of the Code: "Catholic =
Universities=20
and other Institutes of Higher Studies" (CIC, cann. =
807-814).

43 Episcopal Conferences were established in the Latin Rite. =
Other=20
Rites have other Assemblies of Catholic Hierarchy.

44 Cf. CIC, Can. 455, =A7 2.

45 Cf. Sapientia Christiana: AAS 71 (1979), pp. 469-521. =
Ecclesiastical Universities and Faculties are those that have the =
right to=20
confer academic degress by the authority of the Holy See.

48 Both the establishment of such a university and the =
conditions by=20
which it may refer to itself as a Catholic University are to be in =
accordance with the prescriptions issued by the Holy See, =
Episcopal=20
Conference or other Assembly of Catholic Hierarchy.

49 Canon 810 of CIC, specifies the responsibility of the =
competent=20
Authorities in this area: =A7 1 "It is the responsibility of the =
authority=20
who is competent in accord with the statutes to provide for the=20
appointment of teachers to Catholic universities who, besides =
their=20
scientific and pedagogical suitability, are also outstanding in =
their=20
integrity of doctrine and probity of life; when those requisite =
qualities=20
are lacking they are to be removed from their positions in accord =
with the=20
procedure set forth in the statutes. =A7 2 The conference of =
bishops and the=20
diocesan bishops concerned have the duty and right of being =
vigilant that=20
in these universities the principles of Catholic doctrine are =
faithfully=20
observed". Cf. also Article 5, 2 ahead in these "Norms".

52 For Universities to which Article 3 =A7=A7 1 and 2 refer, =
these=20
procedures are to be established in the university statutes =
approved by=20
the competent ecclesiastical Authority; for other Catholic =
Universities,=20
they are to be determined by Episcopal Conferences or other =
Assemblies of=20
Catholic Hierarchy.